Saturday, February 14, 2009

The Washington County Public Safety Center received a 911 call yesterday around 6:50pm for a house fire in Wellman. No one was inside the residence. The Washington County Public Safety Center says the home sustained considerable damage and the fire is still under investigation. The fire was at 1756 120th St in Wellman. Wellman Fire department, Kalona Fire Department, Washington County Sheriff and Washington County secondary roads were called to the scene as well as Eastern Iowa Light & Power along with the Red Cross.

Local government offices will be closed Monday for the President's Day holiday. The county courthouse and county offices will not be open. Also Washington city offices will be closed and the Post Office will be closed. They will reopen Tuesday.

State Senator Becky Schmitz says the primary focus so far this session has been on dealing with the current economic climate and it's impact on state government. Schmitz says she knows the deepening national recession puts a strain on the budgets of Iowa middle-class families. She says that's why she is wanting to hear constituent suggestions for balancing the state budget without raising taxes. Schmitz asks that comments be sent to becky.schmitz@legis.state.ia.us.

The Mid Prairie School District is making up snow days. Superintendent Mark Schneider says Monday was normally scheduled to be a day off for students for Presidents Day but with the many cancellations that the snow has caused they will be holding school to make up for those cancelled days. Schneider says it will be a normal school day with school starting and stopping at regular hours. He says making up the snow days through the year helps to keep the last day of school from getting pushed back too far.

Hunter education courses will be offered in Washington in just a little over a week. The DNR puts on the class. Anyone born after 1972 has to have a hunter education certificate when they purchase a license. The seven session class will be at Washington Junior High February 24th, 25th, and 26th and March 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Class will be from 3:30-5pm each day. Participants should be at least twelve years old. Registration forms will be available at Washington Junior High and are due February 23rd. You can call Jim Cuddeback for more information at 319-653-4789.

The Metro Mix Chorus of Sweet Adelines International is taking orders now to sing for your special someone. Abby Dodd with the group says arriving unannounced, a quartet will search out the recipient in an office, home, restaurant, school or almost any setting. Reservations for singing valentines can be made by calling 319-361-8509